Cody Bellinger is poised for a lucrative offseason after an impressive 2023 season with the Chicago Cubs, drawing significant interest from the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. These two teams are seen as the frontrunners in the race for Bellinger, and it appears they have more than just signing him in mind.
Both the Yankees and Giants are in need of outfield reinforcement, and Bellinger’s stellar 2023 performance (.307 BA, 26 HR, 97 RBI, 20 SB, .881 OPS) makes him an attractive target. However, the ambitions of these teams extend beyond securing Bellinger. The Yankees are eyeing a trade with the San Diego Padres for Juan Soto, adding another layer of star power to their outfield. Meanwhile, the Giants are looking to make a splash in free agency by pursuing star third baseman Matt Chapman.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “The Yankees and San Francisco Giants are widely viewed as the co-favorites now to sign free-agent center fielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger. The Yankees would love to have Bellinger and Juan Soto roaming their outfield, while the Giants would also like to have free-agent Matt Chapman playing third base for them.”
As both teams chart their course back to the playoffs in 2024, the addition of a premier left-handed hitter like Bellinger could significantly bolster their lineups. With considerable plans in place for Bellinger, it seems that both the Yankees and Giants are prepared to make substantial financial offers to secure his services.
While Bellinger is likely to attract interest from other teams, the prospect of playing a role in the postseason ambitions of either the Yankees or Giants could be a compelling factor. The allure of Bellinger’s left-handed power aligning with the short right field porch at Yankee Stadium adds an intriguing dimension to the equation. As these two contenders vie for his signature, a showdown in the free-agent market for Bellinger’s services may be on the horizon.